Construction Technology Flashcards
Name some site constraints.
- Limited space for welfare
- Site access issues
- Unlevel ground
What is decarbonisation?
The reduction or elimination of carbon emissions.
How does a ground source heat pump work?
The heat pump system takes the natural heat from the ground and increases the temperature before transferring it to a building’s heating system.
What is an AHU?
An Air Handling Unit.
It collects air from the outside, filters and cools it, before moving it through the ducting network.
What is a FCU?
Fan Coil Unit.
It takes air in, blows it across a coil (hot or cold) then transfers it into a space.
What is the difference between a 2-pipe and 4-pipe FCU?
A 2-pipe is less flexible having only chilled or heated supply and return. It must be manually switched between the two.
A 4-pipe has both heated and chilled supply and return, allowing it to heat and cool at the same time.
Latter is more expensive but probably more suitable for multi functioning spaces.
What is a VAV?
Variable Air Volume.
It allows the temperature to be controlled locally from a central system.
What are the benefits and disadvantages of concrete and steel frames?
Concrete
- inherently fire protected
- good sound and heat insulation
BUT
- slow to construct
- bulky
Steel
- quick to construct
- beams span long distances
BUT
- needs fire protection (plasterboard, intumescent paint)
- generally has a lower load bearing than concrete
What is intumescent paint?
A thermally insulating coating.
What is a fire fighting lift?
A lift with additional protection and controls to enable its use by the fire service.
What are the main types of foundation?
- Pad - a square foundation on the end of a column
- Raft - a concrete slab that spans the footprint of a building
- Piled - columns driven or bored into ground
- Strip - shallow runs along a linear structure
What are the some considerations when choosing an appropriate foundation?
- Ground conditions
- Noise and vibration
- Load exerted
What are the main types of piles?
- Secant - interlocking piles that form a wall
- Sheet - interlocking steel sheets
- Bored - a column is bored into the ground and filled with concrete
- Driven - pre-cast piles are hammered into the ground
How do you construct a basement?
- Feasibility Study
- Excavate
- Construct foundations
- Waterproof
- Begin constructing the building
How do you waterproof a basement?
- Tanking - apply material internally to create a continuous membrane
- Drained cavity - create a cavity for any water seepage to collect into before draining away
